Sharp's Rifles

Subject: Sharp's Rifles
From: Matthew B.
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 05:59 PM

PBS recently aired a British TV series called "Sharp's Rifles." There's a memorable scene in one of the episodes where we see several different individual soldiers and groups of soldiers of various ranks, sitting by their respective campfires, walking on patrol, etc., and all singing the same song (which we see in a montage, complete with changes in instrumentation, tempo and key).

Does anybody know which song they were singing?

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From:
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 06:08 PM

Can you give us a line or two?

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Phil.
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 06:11 PM

if you do a forum search for "rifles" you'll find two other threads discussing the series. And another thread can be found under the title "John Tams"

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: jon a
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 07:10 PM

There is a compact disc available in the u.k. Containing music from the series, I do not know what it is called but hopefully someone will know.

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Barbara
Date: 04 Aug 99 - 04:05 AM

This is from the thread on John Tams:
Over The Hills & Far Away , The Music of Sharpe Featuring original music from the ITV series, by John Tams & Dominic Muldowney.

Catalogue number: Virgin Records VTCD81.

It features John Tams, The Moscow Symphony Orchestra, The Band and Bugles of the Light Division, Barry Coope and Roger Wilson (both separately with J. Tams) and the lovely miss Kate Rusby.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Lesley N.
Date: 04 Aug 99 - 08:26 AM

Have a care if you are looking to purchase it because there are at least TWO ablbums of the same name - one is by the Springfields (NOT the Sharpe's Rifles Album). Amazon, for instance DOES NOT have the SR album.

Another thread about it was here.

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Matthew B.
Date: 04 Aug 99 - 08:28 AM

Yikes. How about a list of the songs on the album? Maybe that would jog my memory.

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Phil.
Date: 04 Aug 99 - 08:32 AM

why don't you look up those three other threads I suggested?

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Dave T
Date: 05 Aug 99 - 07:39 PM

I watched many of the episodes in that series. I remember the melody from the song quite well but the only lines I can remember are the last two lines in a verse or chorus:

...
George commands and we obey,
Over the hills and far away.

I can only guess the song is called "Over the hills and Far Away". If I can think of any more, I'll post back.

Dave T

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From:
Date: 05 Aug 99 - 09:05 PM

If you do the forum search suggested above, you'll find the whole song, not just the little bit on Sharp's Rifles..

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Wolfgang
Date: 06 Aug 99 - 06:26 AM

see old thread: John Tams Sharpes Rifles series.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Kbee
Date: 06 Aug 99 - 09:54 AM

I believe the song in question is 'Over the Hills and Farr Away' a traditional 18th century song. Not only is it on the soundtrack, but you can find it on David & Ginger Hildebradt's CD 'Over the Hills and Far Away'

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Jonathan
Date: 08 Aug 99 - 08:22 AM

.......and in the database, complete with tune, if my memory plays me not false!

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Lesley N.
Date: 08 Aug 99 - 01:08 PM

As I noted before there is additional information - including the lyrics from the Sharpe's Rifles CD are in the thread Oer the Hills and Far Away - as is information about the CD.

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: danl
Date: 09 Aug 99 - 04:31 PM

a great song, all my non-folkie friends request it very oftern, great books and a great series. (that Sean Bean....mmm....! our history lessons suddenly got a lot more intresting when we started doing the napolionic wars...! but is it pronounced as in "seen bean" or "shawn born" that is the question)

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Lesley N.
Date: 09 Aug 99 - 05:47 PM

I agree - the Napoleonic Wars were never much fun before Sean Bean. I just picked up a bio of Wellington. He's much more interesting than I imagined. I was disappointed, however, to learn he did not ever love his wife - especially after I read that Thomas Moore wrote Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms for Wellington's wife after she suffered facial scars from smallpox!

But you've got to admire(?) a man who - when a former lover sent him a letter threatening to expose their affair if he didn't give her a great deal of money - sent the letter back with the words "Publish and be damned" written accross it...

Pardon the thread creep...

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: GeorgeH
Date: 10 Aug 99 - 01:30 PM

Well the fact that something exists in a previous thread doesn't, of course, mean its correct . . For instance, following the link back I find:

> (John Tams) was musical director to Brilly Bryden's > Company at the Royal Theatre for tendyears

Which actually refers to Bill Bryden at the National Theatre . . .

More importantly, after Ashley Hutchins took the Albion Band (minus most of its members) elsewhere, Tams remained at the National Theatre with Home Service - which for a while had him AND Bill Caddick as vocalists. THAT really was the high-point of UK Folk-Rock . . Their albums (now all available on CD) should be in everyone's collection.

And - more to the point if you live in the UK - according to Tams at Sidmouth, the magnificent production of The Mysteries is to be brought back into the NT repetoire.

BTW the work at the National Theatre also included Linda Thompson (amongst a range of female singers); Linda is in the recording of The Mysteries which was broadcast in the UK.

And reverting to Sharp . . Has anyone mentioned John Gay in the context of "Over the Hills . .", or the Shirley and Dolly Collins recording of it? If so, I missed it on my skim reading.

Cheers!

G.

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Lesley N.
Date: 10 Aug 99 - 04:10 PM

John Gay was in the 'O'er the Hills' Thread so was George Farqhuar (Gay actually paid George for use of the tune). I don't recall the Collins though...

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From:
Date: 23 Sep 04 - 09:24 AM

looking for the sound track to Sharps Rifles, anyone got any idears where i could fing the soundtrack or similiar types of old folk music. Thanks
GED

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 23 Sep 04 - 11:20 AM

Louise,

See the above thread. It can be obtained from Virgin records. Sharpe has an 'e' at the end.

Subject: Lyr Add: OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY (Tams)
From: Chris Green
Date: 23 Sep 04 - 11:27 AM

Full lyrics go as follows...

OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY

Here's forty shillings on the drum
For those who'll volunteer to come
And list and fight the foe today
Over the hills and far away

O'er the hills and o'er the main
Through Flanders, Portugal and Spain
King George commands and we obey,
Over the hills and far away

When duty calls me I must go
To stand and face another foe
But part of me will always stray
Over the hills and far away

If I should fall to rise no more
Like many comrades did before
Then ask the pipes and drums to play
Over the hills and far away

So fall in lads behind the drum
With colours blazing like the sun
Along the road to come what may
Over the hills and far away

John Tams 1994

If you want a recording of it, we've got a free mp3 download from our album on our website (www.isambarde.co.uk) Click on the section marked "press pack".

Chris

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Dead Horse
Date: 23 Sep 04 - 01:33 PM

The song is traditional, with added lyrics by Tams. The original had many more verses. Tams version is much more singable.
I am much more interested in the recording of Rogues March.
I used to dance Longsword to that tune, and was surprised to find it had words. I tried for years to find the complete lyrics for it, all to no avail. What I did learn was that the tune was written by an army bandmaster for the express purpose of being played at "Drumming Out" ceremonies, where some poor unfortunate was dismissed from the army in disgrace. The words were made up by soldiers, and were completely unofficial. If anybody DOES know of any lyrics (apart from those I made up myself) I would be most pleased to hear from them.
Tams sings "Tuppence I got for selling me coat, tuppence for selling me blanket" etc. But it has also been noted as "Fifty I got for selling me coat, fifty for me blankets" the 'fifty' refering to the number of lashes awarded as sentence for this terrible crime!!!

Subject: Lyr Add: OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY
From: Fliss
Date: 23 Sep 04 - 02:15 PM

Our 'prentice Tom may now refuse
To wipe his scoundrel Master's Shoes,
For now he's free to sing and play
Over the Hills and far away.
Over the Hills and O'er the Main,
To Flanders, Portugal and Spain,
The queen commands and we'll obey
Over the Hills and far away.

We all shall lead more happy lives
By getting rid of brats and wives
That scold and bawl both night and day -
Over the Hills and far away.
Over the Hills and O'er the Main,
To Flanders, Portugal and Spain,
The queen commands and we'll obey
Over the Hills and far away.

Courage, boys, 'tis one to ten,
But we return all gentlemen
All gentlemen as well as they,
Over the hills and far away.
Over the Hills and O'er the Main,
To Flanders, Portugal and Spain,
The queen commands and we'll obey
Over the Hills and far away.

http://www.contemplator.com/england/overhls.html

Contemplators site has the tune too.

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Fliss
Date: 23 Sep 04 - 02:16 PM

Ps Sean Bean, doesnt that mean 'old woman' in gaelic!

Ive had him on my list as a stocking filler at christmas for years!
mmmmmmmmm

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Blowzabella
Date: 23 Sep 04 - 03:14 PM

Nay, nay, tha'll never see Sean Bean in stockings! What's tha thinking of? He's a Yorkshireman!

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: GUEST,Peter from Essex
Date: 23 Sep 04 - 08:20 PM

The CD is also available from Amazon.co.uk - classified as "classical". A search on "John Tams" will bring it up.

Subject: Lyr Add: OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY
From: GUEST,Anne Croucher
Date: 23 Sep 04 - 09:23 PM

I have sung a version of this for decades - I don't know who I got it from, I know heard it sung - I am not sure of the spelling of Galway/Galvey for instance. I also have words for the rogues march.

Now the drum beats up again
For all true soldiers, gentlemen
To list and serve without delay
Go over the hills and far away

CHORUS
Over hills and o'er the plain
Through Flanders Portugal and Spain
Queen Ann commmands and we obey
When over the hills and far away

There's twenty shillings on the drum
For he who volunteers to come
There's shirt and coat and present pay
When over the hills and far away

He who's forced to go and fight
Will never gain true honour by it
The volunteer will win the day
Whan over the hills and far away

No more from sound of gun retreat
Whilst Marlborough and Galvay beat
The French and Spaniards every day
When over the hills and far away

Aprentice Thomas may refuse
To do as his angry master chose
For he is free to sing and play
He's over the hills and far away

We then shall lead more happy lives
By getting rid of brats and wives
That scold and grumble as they may
We're over the hills and far away

Come on now boys and you shall see
That very soon you 'll Captains be
You'll whore and rant through every day
When over the hills and far away

The tune I use is very slightly plainer than the one used in Sharp's Rifles, the popularity of the program is obvious as the chorus always gets the ornamentation thrust upon it

Should I put the words to the rogues march on here?

Anne

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: EBarnacle
Date: 24 Sep 04 - 12:47 AM

Read the books. I haven't seen the TV series but if half as good as the books, it is formidable.

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Fliss
Date: 24 Sep 04 - 07:48 AM

Ive heard that version too Anne.

Was at Warwick Festival in July. Aimed to see John Tamms and missed most of the performance by talking outside with friends!
f

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Snuffy
Date: 24 Sep 04 - 09:14 AM

Rogue's March

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Dead Horse
Date: 24 Sep 04 - 02:04 PM

Thanks Snuffy, but them is da lyrics wot I writ! :-)

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Blowzabella
Date: 26 Sep 04 - 01:31 PM

Robert (Bob) White, who plays pipes, whistles and brass in The New Scorpion Band was the pipe major in this series, particularly in Sharpe's Sword - not a huge part, but he does get his name on the credits. The tales he tells about the filming conditions are very much like Jason Salkey (Rifleman Harris) does in his Diary series. Not exactly luxurious.

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Snuffy
Date: 26 Sep 04 - 03:00 PM

And them is da dots wot I done. Gin .......

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: GUEST,jennifer
Date: 26 Sep 04 - 03:23 PM

There's talk of reviving Sharpe, but of course Hagman (aka John Tams) is dead, so not sure where that leaves us with regard to music.
Does anyone know some guitar chords for Over the Hills? People keep posting messages about it on my guestbook.

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: GUEST,Tania
Date: 17 Oct 07 - 05:09 AM

Hi, don't know if anyone is still interested but I remember a song in Sharpe's Rifles which Cooper starts and then Hogan sings as well in a different camp. Some lines are: the old king's hard bargain, they sent me to king George's army, so adieu to old England adieu. I don't know if this is an original napoleonic song or something adapted but I can't find it anywhere on the net and it's starting to annoy me! I can't get the tune out of my head and would love to have all the lyrics.

I love 'over the hills' but this song used to get me aswell.

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 17 Oct 07 - 06:25 AM

All the Chosen Men seemed to have been killed off in the last tv series- recently repeated out of order) on UKTV History- Just in time for the channel has now gone off the air on Freeview in the evenings as I was hoping to watch Tenko again!

Rts

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Lowden Jameswright
Date: 17 Oct 07 - 08:34 AM

Sean Bean - 100% Blade bless him - though our beloved Blades are pretty blunt at the moment!

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: GUEST,Henryp
Date: 17 Oct 07 - 12:01 PM

Yes, but his tattoo has to be concealed when everything else is revealed.

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Mr Happy
Date: 17 Oct 07 - 01:11 PM

Sharpe's Rifles on You Tube, here: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=vOAWSU5_4t4

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: GUEST,Elfcall
Date: 18 Oct 07 - 03:19 AM

Guest - Tania

The song I think you are looking for is 'Here's Adieu To All Judges And Juries'

Elfcall

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: theleveller
Date: 18 Oct 07 - 06:19 AM

I love the way John Tams combines 'O'er the Hills', along with 'Farewell To You Spanish Ladies', into his own composition, 'Spanish Bride' on the Unity CD.

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 18 Oct 07 - 08:52 AM

Youtube. This is well done. And, sexy Sean can be heard reciting the words of the song. And John Tams does some real damage to those nasty French soldiers.

"Over the Hills" Sharpe montage

Subject: RE: SharpE's Rifles
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 01:18 PM

Old Wellington, he scratched his bum.
He says, "Bony lad, thee's had thee fun."
My riflemen will win the day
Over the hills and far away.

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Dead Horse
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 02:41 PM

I have often been asked to sing Over the Hills and Far Away myself :-)

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: scouse
Date: 03 Nov 07 - 12:54 PM

Just bought the Box set of Sharpe (15 Dvd's) the complete series from Amazon for less than Fifty Quid. Well worth every penny.. Superb!!!
As Aye,
Phil.

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: GUEST,George the Bugler
Date: 05 Dec 07 - 06:03 PM

Hi guys, i love sharpe and as for the tune, it's brilliant, there is a version of over the hill and far away that is played as a bugle call, in the navy it's called grog call thats as far i i know about the call at the mo

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Blowzabella
Date: 06 Dec 07 - 06:03 AM

I think that there is a version of the song which goes back to Marlborough's time - with mention of Queen Anne, rather than King George.

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 06 Dec 07 - 04:35 PM

Blowabella - yes, that's how I originally learnt it, as "Queen Anne commands", but it got updated for Georges I, II, III, IV.... Fliss's post of 23 September 04 above mentions the queen's version.

The link to the John Gay version seems to have fallen over.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Big Phil
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 06:44 PM

Is there any Tablature available for Mandolin for John Tams version, googled all over, but can't find any.

Big Phil

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: GUEST,Plantman
Date: 10 Nov 08 - 06:17 PM

Has anyone got harmonica tabs for ' Over the Hills and Far Away '?

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: pdq
Date: 10 Nov 08 - 07:07 PM

There may be confusion among some US'ns from the spelling in the thread title.

Here, Sharps Rifle refers to a large (approx 50 cal) firearm manufactured by the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company. They were in business from 1848 through 1881. Original designer was named Christian Sharps.

The Brittish movie and soundtrack spell the name Sharpe.

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Compton
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 05:18 AM

Just a thought...does anyone know who might be the lead guitar on the TV and recordings?...It sounds like Graeme Taylor..but don't know for sure!

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: rich-joy
Date: 01 Feb 09 - 09:14 AM

Hard as it may be for UK Catters to believe, my Sig.Other and I have only recently become aware of the Sharpe series!!

Our excuse is that the first 15 shows were never shown on Australian TV (well, not on Aunty ABC, anyway!!) - only the later "Sharpe's Challenge" has been seen.
Nor had we ever read any of Cornwell's books.

Anyway, mainly due to the allure of John Tams' singing and acting (along with the prospect of some interesting British historical drama), we treated ourselves to the complete series for Xmas - and we are both absolutely enthralled!! What a great series!! (and to be sure, the younger Sean Bean is not half bad, either!!)


Oz catters, do yourselves a favour - go buy the package of 10 CDs. Aunty will never show them (I wrote and asked), so you'll just have to buy your own!

ENJOY!!!

Cheers! R-J

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: GUEST,Edthefolkie
Date: 01 Feb 09 - 11:47 AM

I suppose UK Catters know this anyway, but just for the colonials - John Tams and Barry Coope always finish their gigs with "Over the Hills and Far Away". Seen 'em do it twice in the last year and on both occasions lots of the audience joined in, it were great.

Nice to see earlier on in the thread that somebody namechecked "The Mysteries" with which Tam was heavily concerned - quite right about it being a sort of summit of UK folk rock. Just been watching Tam sing "Lewk Up, Lewk Up" on my unofficial DVD of The Passion. Graeme Taylor on mandolin, cosmic. Also featuring Linda Thompson, Philip Pickett, Bill Caddick, Howard Evans, oh God loads more familiar faces too. And I spotted the late great Brian Glover aka God joining in on "We Sing Hallelujah" at the end.

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: bubblyrat
Date: 01 Feb 09 - 11:57 AM

I always thought that the whole point of the song was to relate the events ,conditions and geographical locations relevant to the Duke of Marlborough's campaigns and victories ?? In which case,the commanding Sovereign could only be Queen Anne,although I could see how the song might be adapted to suit later events from the time when King George WAS in the picture-----I always sing " Queen Anne ",'though !!

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 01 Feb 09 - 04:02 PM

Me too. It goes with "commands".
The song was in use though.

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: The Vulgar Boatman
Date: 01 Feb 09 - 05:45 PM

Here's a fragment gleaned from an ancient "Oxford Companion to Music" concerning the Rogue's March.
"The Rogues' March, is almost identical with the tune of the well known (sic) 'Right Little, Tight Little Island' of Dibdin. There are many printed copies in the eighteenth century but, apparently, none earlier...see a description [of drumming out] in Lt. Col. Mackenzie-Rogan's 'Fifty Years of Army Music' - where the tune is given"

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 12:23 PM

cooper ..a curse on all judges and juries justice and old bailey too for they bade me to king georges army so adieu to old england adieu.

hogan...so across the seas did they take me to stand by the red wight and blue for they gave me they gave me the old kings hard bargin so adieu to old england adieu.

if i should fall to rise no more
as many comrades did before
then ask the fifes and drums to play over the hills and far away
oer the hills and oer the main through flanders portugal and spain
king george commands and we obey over the hills and fa away
There are amny variations to the first verse of over the hills

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: EBarnacle
Date: 01 Nov 10 - 11:01 PM

As I was flipping from channel to channel tonight, I heard "Over the Hills and Far Away." Stuck around and found Sharpe in India during the troubles, as a Colonel. Good show in every sense.

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: GUEST,Epiphany
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 09:36 AM

In Sharpe's Rifles, there is a song that is sung by Cooper,whilst he is on sentry duty. It is continued by Hogan once Cooper's voice fades out. I've tried searching for the lyrics to it but can't seem to find the correct ones. Any help would be nice :)

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Gurney
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 03:44 PM

I used to sing a Scots-accented variant with the (sort of) chorus 'Victoria commands by land and sea, so list, bonnie laddie, an' come wi' me.'
Must see if I can find the words.

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Dead Horse
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 05:22 PM

This one ?

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Rumncoke
Date: 01 Jan 11 - 11:08 AM

I can't equate Tight Little Island and the Rogues' March - there are a few similarities maybe, but - at least the way I sing/play them they are quite distinct

Anne Croucher

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Gurney
Date: 01 Jan 11 - 02:32 PM

That's the one, Dead Horse. Mostly the same tune as Tams', depending on who's version you are stealing.
I used to have two versions on recordings, and have heard others a little different.
I was very much into Trad, once.

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Jan 11 - 05:29 AM

Over the hills also appears on one the Strawhead Albums (in the "Queen Anne commands" version (and "who'll be a soldier for Marlborough and me" I think.)

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: GUEST,Elfcall
Date: 03 Jan 11 - 06:06 AM

Epiphany

I have not watched Sharpe's Rifles for some time but I am sure the song you are referring to is 'Here's Adieu to All Judges and Juries'

Elfcall

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Angrybean
Date: 09 Feb 11 - 03:18 PM

I think it's a great series and bought the album years ago, I've finally managed to play two of the tunes. Both arranged for fingerpicking on acoustic guitar.


The Spanish Bride

Love Farewell

Hopefully if you watch, you make like 'em, or at least not throw fruit at the screen.

Cheers

Ang


p.s. or tomatoes LOL

Subject: Over the Hills (and far away)
From: Felipa
Date: 06 Aug 16 - 02:22 PM

I was just listening to a couple of Over the Hills on youtube
recorded by Treebeard

Subject: RE: Sharp's Rifles
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 07 Aug 16 - 03:50 AM

In UK the Drama Channel has been rerunning the series.